[1] The now highly collectable first generation 2008 model had a 1,148 cc (70.1 cu in) V-twin engine and was the Austrian manufacturer's first-ever Superbike design.

The suspension uses high-end inverted forks and an alloy, double-sided swingarm made by WP, a KTM subsidiary.

The RC8 R's WP suspension includes a 43 mm inverted fork at the front end, with a titanium-aluminum-nitride low-stiction coating on its sliders.

The KTM engineers included a heavier crankshaft and flywheel aimed at reducing the buzzy nature of the previous RC8R and to emphasize low-end torque.

KTM's two-year plan was to get the bike regularly on the podium in superstock before moving up to the Superbike World Championship.

[5] For 2012, Chris Filmore riding for the KTM Factory Racing team earned his career best finish at the final round of the AMA Pro SuperBike Series held at NOLA Motorsports Park on October 6 finishing 4th that day, 5th place the next,[6] ending the season 11th overall[7] and signed with the team for 2013.